Mmm, the weather’s so nice. So this is Taisho Pond.
(We finally made it to the day of our trip. Kamikochi… The air here’s so nice and clean.)
I’m glad we could go to where you wanted, Yuki-nii. Everyone made it here safely… Although a lot happened on the bus ride…
Yeah, Yachiyo’s luggage kept falling out of the overhead and hitting Renga…
Oww… Why does this happen to me, of all people…?
I’msorryI’msorryI’msorry…! My luggage fell in love with you, Renga-san!! Take this, luggage! You piece of crap!
Woah, it’s way colder here compared to HAMA.
…Tch, my hair’s getting in the way. I should tie it up…
(It is pretty cold… We’re all dressed for the weather, but I hope that it doesn’t affect Kafka’s health…)
Good morniiiing.
Ah, good morning!
*jingling*
…Hey, what’s that bell thing everyone’s wearing?
It’s a bear bell. You put it on so you don’t encounter any bears while hiking.
Bears…?! L-L-L-Like, the big scary ones with giant teeth that eat people?!
I don’t think they usually go after humans… But there’s a store right over there that we can all buy bells from.
I’ll buy out their whole stock…!! Let’s go, guys!! They’ll sell out if we don’t hurry!
…No, they won’t…
Everyone bought different colors… They’re like idol image colors…
Are you sure you’re all good with just one?! I bought enough for everyone, so you should all take five each!
Re-Renga-kun, I think one each is fine.
*sigh* Bèndàn.
Huh?! What did you say, Liguang?! I bought some for you too! I don’t think any bears would like how you taste, but put them on anyway!!
The trail starts here. I’m going on ahead.
Ah, don’t ignore me!
Renga-san, I’ll put the rest of the bells you bought on your bag for you. As long as we all walk with you, the bears won’t bother us, right?
Oh, I see! You’re really smart, Ten. Alright, guys! Make sure to stick with me!
Thaaanks. You’re always so reliable, Renga-san.
(Ten-kun… He talked his way out of having to wear the bells. But at least Renga-kun feels better now…)
This is my first time going hiking… I’m so excited. Let’s go, Chief.
Yeah. Oh, right. We should all take a picture together in front of the Taisho Pond bridge!
(It’s a perfect day for hiking. The trees are beautiful, and the sound of the river is so relaxing…)
Chief, the trees around here are so pretty. Are those the Hotaka Mountains in the distance?
We got really lucky with the weather. Everything here’s so beautiful.
Yeah, these types of experiences are what travel’s all about!
……
(Kafka’s having a better time out here than I expected him to. Chief looks happy too. Seeing him smile makes me glad.)
*loud jingling*
Renga-san, the sound of those bells is…a little annoying…
Huh? I think they’re helpful… B-But do you really think so? I guess you can’t hear the river over them.
Maybe you should take them off. I don’t think there are gonna be any bears around here. Yachiyo-san will thank you for it. You’re nice and considerate, right, Renga-san?
Urk… Then I’ll just leave three on.
Liguang! Since we’re out hiking, let’s talk a little!
…What is the correlation between those two?
It’s easier to have a heart-to-heart when you’re out in nature, right? We have to work on our conversizing…
…”Having a heart-to-heart” won’t change my opinion on you.
HUH?! What does that mean?!
That aside, are you sure you’re okay with that?
With what… that sign? “Beware of bears…?!”
Ten! Gimme another one of the bells!
Huhh? I don’t think we’ll see any bears… Renga, you’re a pauper just like me, but you’re such a scaredy-cat…
*rustling*
Gyahh, something’s there!!!! I-I-I-It’s a beaaaaaaaar!!!
Uhh, g-g-guys, we gotta run!!
(What?! A bear?! I need to catch up to Renga-kun and Yachiyo-kun…!)
Don’t run, it’s dangerous!
Ah, hold it… Come oooon!!
We’ll have to go after them.
…Sheesh.
This is ridiculous…
But you’re still gonna run after them, aren’t you?
Murakumo… Do you honestly expect me to do that?
Ooh, so scaaaary. I’ll go on ahead.
*pant, pant* W-W-We should be fine now…!
Hwayhwauwah…
Is everyone here? Chief and Kafka are…
…Urgh.
Kafka…!
…I’m fine, Chief. I just tripped.
Really? Thank god…
…?